It sounds like something from a science fiction movie.Partnering with top-ranked national and international universities, the Ford “Atoms to Engines” team challenged skeptics to develop the world’s first virtual materials modeling prediction tool. Come again? It’s a tool that allows the team to simulate the microstructures of a material before the first prototype is built.
In other words… the Atoms to Engines team blends engineering and science to develop physics-based computer models that predict how properties and materials will behave and change during the manufacturing process. Building these computer models integrates the study of product performance, manufacturing and materials; in some cases it requires analyzing metals down to their atomistic level.
The result? Components are more durable and efficiently constructed, which saves the company considerable development time and money. In fact, the process is estimated to save Ford between $2 and $5 million a year in reducing test requirements and product development time.
Computational materials engineering also has been used on the recently released 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ block and head and the soon-to-be-released 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel, where the technology enabled the use of aluminum cylinder heads, for a 160-pound weight savings.
Learn more about Ford’s Atoms to Engines team and its work in computational materials engineering.
Quote
“Computational materials engineering is about blending engineering and science. Why is it worth it? Reduction of test time. Higher-quality parts. In other words, you’re getting the highest possible quality at the lowest possible cost.”
– John Allison, Senior Technical Leader, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering
Tags: Atom, EcoBoost, Ford, Ford Motor Company, Ford “Atoms to Engines” team, performance, Power Stroke®, quality
